Revolutions in Russia 14-1

14-1
Revolutions in Russia
Essential Question:
•
What were the key events that lead to the
Russian Revolution?
•
Was is attributed to the Czar, individuals,
global conflict or society?
Alexander III Upholds the Autocracy
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Czar Alexander III used harsh measures to wipe out
the revolutionaries
Anyone who questioned his authority, worshiped
outside the Russian Orthodox Church, or spoke a
language other than Russian was tagged as
dangerous
Alexander III oppressed other groups inside Russia,
and a wave organized violence against Jews broke
out in many parts of Russia
Nicholas II Resists Change
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Nicholas II maintained the policies of his father
Alexander III when he became Czar, vowing to
maintain autocratic rule
The rapid buildup of Russian industry helps the
country prosper
The great Trans-Siberian Railway is built with the
help of British and French investors
Worker exploitation spurs the growth of
revolutionary movements, including the Bolsheviks
and their leader Vladimir Lenin
Crisis at Home and Abroad
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Russia is defeat in the Russo-Japanese War; sparks
unrest
Russia’s first parliament (Duma) is formed after
Bloody Sunday and the Revolution of 1905
Russia faces defeats and food shortages during
World War I
The March Revolution
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General uprisings force the abdication of Nicholas II
A weak provisional government replaces the czarist
regime
Social revolutionaries, competing for power, formed
soviets, which were local councils consisting of
workers.
The Germans arrange Lenin’s return to Russia in
1917.
The Bolshevik Revolution
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In November 1917, without warning, the Bolshevik Red
Army storm the winter palace in Petrograd, rallying to
Lenin’s slogan of “Peace, Land, and Bread”.
They took over the government and arrested leaders of
the provisional government
Within days of taking over, Lenin ordered all farmland
be redistributed among the peasants and gave factory
control to the workers.
For 3 years (1918-1920) a civil war raged in Russia, with
several western nations sending military aid and forces to
help the opposing White Army
In the end the Red Army triumphed and crushed all
opposition
Lenin Restores Control
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Lenin launches the New Economic Policy (NEP) to help
revive the faltering Russian economy.
In 1922 Russia is renamed the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.) in honor of the councils
that help launch the Bolshevik Revolution
The Bolsheviks rename their party the Communist
Party, coming from the writings of Karl Marx who
used the term to describe a classless society that
would exist after workers seized power.
Lenin established a dictatorship of the Communist
Party.